Michigan

State Rep. Tim Kelly and Michael Cousins, the fire chief for Thomas Township, today chat on the Michigan House floor prior to the House’s annual ceremony honoring first responders and military personnel who were killed in the line of duty during the last year.
(Courtesy | Office of Rep. Tim Kelly)

SAGINAW, MI — The Michigan House of Representatives commemorated the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and honored Michigan first responders and military personnel who lost their lives in the past year, including slain Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield.

"Trooper Butterfield's death should remind us all of the tremendous sacrifices our first responders make every day to protect and serve our communities," Kelly said in a prepared statement. "Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the Butterfield family as they try to deal with this senseless tragedy."

Kelly invited Michael Cousins, Thomas Township Fire Department chief, to the ceremony. Cousins sat with Kelly on the House floor during the commemoration, which included a presentation of the colors by first responders. Lawmakers who represent districts that lost Michigan first responders and military personnel during the last year also read their names on the floor, Kelly said.

"I'm happy Fire Chief Cousins was able to attend the ceremony and be honored by the Michigan House," Kelly said. "It's been a somber week for Michigan's first responders and we should all take the time to thank them for their tremendous service."

The Michigan House holds an annual event to honor first responders and the victims of 9/11, Kelly said, as well as the first responders and service members from Michigan who were killed during the last year.